Are Chevy Bolts still catching fire?
In recent years, there have been growing concerns about the safety of Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles (EVs) due to reports of the cars catching fire. While Chevy has taken steps to address the issue, the problem persists, leaving many Bolt owners worried about the reliability and safety of their vehicles.
The Chevy Bolt Fire Saga
The Chevy Bolt fire issue first came to light in 2020 when several Bolt owners reported their vehicles catching fire, even when the cars were not in use. The fires were traced back to the Bolt's lithium-ion battery packs, which were found to be prone to overheating and catching fire under certain conditions. This led to a series of recalls by Chevrolet, with the automaker working to develop a software fix to mitigate the risk.
However, the problem has persisted, with more Bolt owners reporting fires in their vehicles even after the recall repairs were implemented. In 2021, Chevrolet expanded the recall to include all Bolt EVs and EUVs (Electric Utility Vehicles) produced since 2017, affecting over 140,000 vehicles. The company also advised Bolt owners to park their cars outside and away from structures until the vehicles could be repaired.
Ongoing Efforts to Address the Issue
Chevrolet has continued to work on a solution to the Bolt fire problem, but progress has been slow. The company has developed a software update that it claims can reduce the risk of battery fires, but the fix has not been entirely effective, with some Bolt owners still reporting fires after the update was installed.
In addition to the software update, Chevrolet has also offered to replace the battery packs in affected Bolt vehicles, a costly and time-consuming process. However, the replacement batteries are also susceptible to the same overheating and fire risk, leading to ongoing concerns about the long-term safety of the Bolt.
What Bolt Owners Should Do
- Check if your Bolt is affected by the recall and follow Chevrolet's instructions for parking and charging the vehicle.
- Consider alternative transportation options until a permanent solution is found, as the risk of fire remains a serious concern.
- Stay informed about any updates or new developments from Chevrolet regarding the Bolt fire issue.
The Chevy Bolt fire saga is a cautionary tale about the importance of safety and reliability in electric vehicles. While Chevrolet continues to work on a solution, Bolt owners should remain vigilant and prioritize their safety until a permanent fix is found.
